What Is Hyperventilation?

Hyperventilation is a condition in which
you suddenly start to breathe very quickly. Healthy breathing occurs with a
healthy balance between breathing in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide. You
upset this balance when you hyperventilate by exhaling more than you inhale.
This causes a rapid reduction in carbon dioxide in the body.

Low carbon dioxide levels eventually lead
to narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. This
reduction in blood supply to the brain leads to symptoms like lightheadedness
and tingling in the fingers. Severe hyperventilation can lead to loss of
consciousness.

For some people, hyperventilation is
rare, and only occurs as an occasional, panicked response to fear, stress, or a
phobia. For others, this condition occurs regularly as a typical response to
emotional states, such as depression, anxiety, or anger. When hyperventilation
is a frequent occurrence, it’s known as hyperventilation syndrome.

Hyperventilation is also known as:

rapid (or fast) deep breathing

over breathing

respiratory rate (or breathing) — rapid and deep

Common Causes of Hyperventilation

There
are many factors that can lead to hyperventilation. This condition most
commonly results from anxiety, panic, nervousness, or stress. It often takes the
form of a panic attack.

diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of high blood sugar in people
with type 1 diabetes) Hyperventilation can also occur because of
problems caused by asthma or emphysema or after a head injury. Some women
experience problems with hyperventilation during pregnancy. Hyperventilation
can occur in some people when traveling to elevations over 6,000 feet as well.

When to Seek Treatment for Hyperventilation

Hyperventilation can be a serious issue. Symptoms can last 20 to 30 minutes. You should seek treatment
for hyperventilation when the following symptoms occur:

rapid, deep breathing for the first time

hyperventilation that gets worse, even after
trying home care options

pain

fever

bleeding

feeling anxious, nervous, or tense

frequent sighing or yawning

a pounding and racing heartbeat

problems with balance, lightheadedness, or
vertigo

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or
around the mouth

chest tightness, fullness, pressure, tenderness,
or pain

Other symptoms occur less frequently and
you may not even realize that they are related to hyperventilation. Some of
these symptoms are:

headache

gas, bloating, or burping

twitching

sweating

vision changes, such as blurred or tunnel vision

problems with concentration or memory

loss of consciousness (fainting)

Make sure to let your doctor know if you
have reccurring symptoms. You may have a condition called hyperventilation
syndrome (HSV).

Treating Hyperventilation

It’s important to try to stay calm in
acute cases of hyperventilation. It may be helpful to have someone with you to
coach you through the episode. The goal of treatment during an episode is to
increase carbon dioxide levels in your body and work to slow your breathing
rate.

Home Care

You can try some immediate techniques to
help treat acute hyperventilation:

breathe through pursed lips

breathe into a paper bag or cupped hands

attempt to breathe into your belly (diaphragm)
rather than your chest

cover your mouth and try alternate nostril
breathing

hold your breath

Alternate nostril breathing involves
covering your mouth and alternating breathing through each nostril. For
instance, with mouth covered, close the right nostril and breathe in through
the left. Then alternate by closing the left nostril and breathing in through the
right. Repeat this pattern until breathing has returned to normal. Some people
may find that vigorous exercise, such as a brisk walk or jog, while breathing
in and out of your nose, helps with hyperventilation.

Stress Reduction

If you have hyperventilation syndrome,
you will want to figure out what is causing it. If you suffer from anxiety or
stress, you may want to see a psychologist to help you understand and treat
your condition. Learning stress reduction and breathing techniques will help to
control your condition.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may also be an effective treatment for
hyperventilation syndrome. Acupuncture is an alternative treatment based on
ancient Chinese medicine. It involves placing thin needles into various areas
of the body to promote healing. One preliminary study found that
acupuncture helped reduce anxiety and the severity of hyperventilation.

Medication

Depending on the severity, your doctor
may also prescribe medication. Examples of medications for hyperventilation
include:

alprazolam (Xanax)

doxepin (Silenor)

paroxetine (Paxil)

Preventing Hyperventilation

You can learn breathing and relaxation
techniques to help prevent hyperventilation. These include:

Exercising regularly (walking, running,
bicycling, etc.) can also help to prevent hyperventilation.

Remember to stay calm if you experience
any of the symptoms of hyperventilation. Try the home care breathing methods to
get your breathing back on track and make sure to go see your doctor. Hyperventilation
is treatable, but you may have underlying problems. Your doctor can help you
get to the root of the problem so that you can begin treatment and get back on
track.